Inviting Agricultural Innovators to Shape the Future of UK Farming
BASF UK and Ireland have announced the relaunch of their Innovation Collaboration Day for 2024, following a successful event in 2023. This initiative invites start-ups and scale-up innovators in the agricultural sector to apply for funding and collaboration opportunities to develop their groundbreaking proposals.
BASF, a global leader in research and development, has a storied history of introducing innovative products and solutions that enhance food production, sustainability, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. For the 2024 Innovation Collaboration Day, BASF is seeking innovators focusing on precision and digital applications, genetic editing, crop production, or plant health and resilience.
According to a recent press release, BASF aims to establish long-term relationships with successful candidates. The support offered includes mentoring, marketing, financial assistance, and collaboration to access new networks and research opportunities. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their concepts during a pitching day, providing insight into how their innovations can advance the future of agriculture.
A notable participant from the 2023 event, Glaia Ltd, developed a biostimulant using unique carbon-based nanotechnologies to enhance photosynthesis and maximize crop yields. Dr. David Benito-Alifonso, CEO of Glaia Ltd, emphasized the importance of corporate support in accelerating the adoption of transformative technologies: “Our photosynthetic promoters allow plants to utilize more light, increasing crop yields and enabling more sustainable agriculture practices. No silver bullet can solve the climate crisis, but we believe that the support of corporations like BASF is key to accelerating the adoption of game-changing technologies like ours.”
BASF has a longstanding commitment to investing in land-based start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures. Rob Gladwin, Head of Technical Management for Agricultural Solutions, UK & Ireland, and part of this year’s review panel, highlighted the significance of collaborative partnerships: “To ensure the agricultural sector remains competitive and vibrant within the UK and Ireland, we need to continue to bring new solutions and ideas to the market. We are facing significant business and political changes, and this initiative provides an opportunity to be at the forefront of this change and help shape the future of UK agriculture.”
